Paint tray bag

ABSTRACT

A paint tray bag is provided. The paint tray bag comprises a bag comprising dimensions for containing a paint tray, and optionally painting tools, therein. The paint tray bag further comprises a sealing apparatus for releasably sealing the bag, the sealing apparatus around at least portion of a perimeter of the bag such that the bag comprises a closed position for containing the paint tray therein when the sealing apparatus is closed and an open position when the sealing apparatus is open, the bag enabled to lay flat in the open position to act as a drop sheet for the paint tray.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/357,569 filed Jun. 23, 2010, incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The specification relates generally to painting accessories and specifically to a paint tray bag that can convert to a dropsheet.

BACKGROUND

Often times a painter using a paint tray will need to stop before a job is completed and clean the paint tray and brush(es)/rollers of paint to prevent the paint from drying out, only to pour the paint back into the tray when continuing the job.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the specification provides a paint tray bag, comprising: a bag comprising dimensions for containing a paint tray therein; and a sealing apparatus for releasably sealing the bag, the sealing apparatus around at least portion of a perimeter of the bag such that the bag comprises a closed position for containing the paint tray therein when the sealing apparatus is closed and an open position when the sealing apparatus is open, the bag enabled to lay flat in the open position to act as a drop sheet for the paint tray.

The bag can be rectangular and the sealing apparatus can be around at least three edges of the bag, such that the bag folds along a fourth edge to place the bag in the open position. The sealing apparatus can run across a first short edge of the bag, along a first long edge of the bag and then back across a second short edge of the bag, such that the bag folds along a second long edge in the open position. The sealing apparatus can run across a first long edge of the bag, along a first short edge of the bag and then back across a second long edge of the bag, such that the bag folds along a second short edge in the open position.

The bag can comprise a length between 10 and 60 inches and a width between 10 and 60 inches. The bag can comprise a length of approximately 30 inches and a width of approximately 20 inches.

The bag can be enabled to be slid under a door to act as the drop sheet for the door in at least one of the closed position and the open position. At least one of a length and a width of the bag can be enabled to extend along a width of the door in at least one of the open position and the closed position.

The bag can be approximately 0.001 inches to approximately 0.1 inches thick.

The bag can comprise, at least partially, a transparent material such that the paint tray can be viewed when sealed inside the bag.

The bag can comprise at least one window for viewing the paint tray when sealed inside the bag.

The bag can comprise at least one of artwork, advertising and coverage for explanation of a function of the bag, the at least one of the artwork, the advertising and the coverage comprising at least one window therein for viewing the paint tray when sealed inside the bag.

The paint tray bag can further comprise a handle for at least one of hanging the bag and carrying the bag.

The bag can be enabled to further contain at least one of roller and a brush therein in addition to the paint tray.

The paint tray bag can further comprise at least one non-stick area such that when the bag is in the open position, the at least one non-stick area prevents the bag from sliding on one or more of a floor and a carpet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Implementations are described with reference to the following figures, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a paint tray bag in a closed position, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 2 depicts a paint tray bag in a closed position and paint tray and brush stored therein, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 3 depicts a paint tray bag in a partially open position, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 4 depicts a paint tray bag in an open position, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 5 depicts a paint tray bag in an open position used as a drop sheet for a paint tray, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 6 depicts a handle on a paint tray bag, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 7 depicts a window of paint tray bag, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 8 depicts a paint tray bag in a closed position, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 9 depicts a paint tray bag in a closed position and paint tray and brush stored therein, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 10 depicts a paint tray bag in a partially open position, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 11 depicts a paint tray bag in an open position, being used as a drop sheet for a paint tray, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 12 depicts a handle on a paint tray bag, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 13 depicts a window on a paint tray bag, according to non-limiting implementations.

FIG. 14 depicts a paint tray bag in an open position being used as a drop sheet under a door, according to non-limiting implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE IMPLEMENTATIONS

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a paint tray bag 100 enabled to contain therein at least a paint tray 101, according to non-limiting implementations. Paint tray bag 100 comprises a bag 103 comprising dimensions for containing at least paint tray 101 therein. In some implementations, bag 103 comprises dimensions for containing paint tray 101 and any suitable number of painting accessories associated with paint tray 101, such as a roller 105 or a brush (not depicted). Paint tray bag 100 further comprises a sealing apparatus 107 for releasably sealing bag 103. In some implementations, sealing apparatus 107 extends along one side of paint tray bag 100 such that a paint tray and/or painting accessories or the like can be sealed in paint tray bag 100. However, in depicted implementations, sealing apparatus 107 is generally disposed around at least portion of a perimeter of bag 103. It is appreciated that bag 103 comprises a closed position and an open position, sealing apparatus 107 sealing bag 100 in the closed position. Further, in the closed position, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, bag 103 can contain at least paint tray 101 therein when sealing apparatus 107 is closed. Sealing apparatus 107 is enabled to open, such that bag 103 changes from the closed position of FIGS. 1 and 2 to a partially open position depicted in FIG. 3 and then to an open position depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, according to non-limiting implementations. Hence, bag 103 further comprises the open position of FIGS. 4 and 5 when sealing apparatus 107 is open. As depicted in FIG. 5, bag 103 is further enabled to lay flat in the open position to act as a drop sheet for paint tray 101.

Bag 103 can be of any suitable dimensions for containing at least paint tray 101. In some implementations, bag 103 can be generally rectangular, though the shape of bag 103 can be any suitable shape. For example, bag103 can have rounded corners, and/or be generally elliptical and/or circular in shape, or any other suitable shape. In yet further implementations bag 103 can comprise gussets that can accommodate corners and depth of paint tray 101 in the closed position. In some implementations, bag 103 has a length between approximately 25 and approximately 50 inches and a width between approximately 15 and approximately 35 inches. In particular non-limiting implementations, bag 103 has a length of approximately 30 inches and a width of approximately 20 inches in the closed position. Hence, when bag 103 is in the open position, bag 103 has dimensions of approximately 30 inches by approximately 40 inches (i.e. to act as a drop sheet of approximately 30 inches by approximately 40 inches).

It is thus appreciated that paint tray bag 100 in the open position functions as a drop sheet (that is approximately square or rectangular as desired), and that paint tray 101 can conveniently be placed in the middle of the drop sheet to better catch drips and spills that would otherwise come in contact with a floor or other surfaces where spills etc. are unwanted. In other words, paint tray bag 100 conveniently converts from a storage bag for a paint tray 101 to a protective drop sheet that is created by completely opening sealing apparatus 107, so that a top side of bag 103 acts as a flap that can be lifted away from a bottom side of bag 103 like a mirror image laying flat under paint tray 101, thus protecting the floor or other surfaces from potential spills and roller spray off. As painters typically purchase drop sheets separately to put under their equipment to protect the floors from paint, paint tray bag 100 obviates the need to purchase drop sheets for under paint tray 101, as well as acting as storage for paint tray 101 to obviate clean up before a painting job is completed.

As depicted in FIGS. 1 to 5, in implementations where bag 103 is rectangular, sealing apparatus 107 can run around at least three edges of bag 103, such that bag 103 folds along a fourth edge 109 to place bag 103 in the open position. In other words, at least a portion of fourth edge 109 remains closed, fourth edge 109 acting as a hinge point to open bag into a drop sheet. In other implementations, sealing apparatus can extend partially into fourth edge 109, for example so as to better accommodate folding bag over 103 into the open position.

As depicted in FIGS. 1 to 7, in some implementations, sealing apparatus 107 runs across a first short edge of bag 103, along a first long edge of bag 103 and then back across a second short edge of bag 103, such that bag 103 folds along a second long edge (i.e. edge 109) in the open position.

However, as described below with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13, present implementations include a paint tray bag 100 a that comprises a sealing apparatus 107 a that runs across a first long edge of a bag 103 a, along a first short edge of bag 103 a and then back across a second long edge of bag 103 a, such that bag 103 a folds along a second short edge 109 a in the open position.

In yet further embodiments, sealing apparatus 107 and/or sealing apparatus 107 a can run around any suitable number of edges, leaving at least a portion of an edge of bag 103 or bag 103 a intact so that bag 103 and/or bag 103 a can fold along the portion to lay flat and act as a drop sheet for a paint tray.

Sealing apparatus 107 can comprise any suitable sealing apparatus for releasably sealing bag 103, including but not limited to a ziplock, a zipper apparatus, a slider apparatus, a press and seal apparatus or the like.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 6 which depicts an optional handle 601 attached to bag 103. Handle 601 enables paint tray bag 100 for carrying (e.g. by grasping handle 601) and/or for hanging paint tray bag 601 from a hook or the like. In some implementations, handle 601 can enable paint tray bag 100 to be carried while a paint tray, and/or other paint accessories, is contained therein. While FIG. 6 depicts handle 601 as flat on a given side of bag 103, in other implementations handle 601 can extend over an edge of bag 103. It is further appreciated that handle 601 can comprises any suitable dimensions. In depicted non-limiting implementations, handle 601 comprises dimensions of approximately 1 inch by 6 inches.

Bag 103 can comprise of any suitable material, for example any suitable plastic, biodegradable material, rubber, fabric, cellulose, foil, impermeable material or the like, and/or combinations thereof. In some implementations, a bag 103 can comprise transparent material such that paint tray 101 can be viewed when sealed inside bag 103. As bag 103 is generally appreciated to be impermeable, when paint tray 101 is sealed inside bag 103, paint contained therein does not dry out. Further paint spilled on bag 103, when bag 103 is being used as a drop sheet, will not soak through to a surface under bag 103.

In some implementations, bag 103 can comprise a non-slip material to prevent paint tray bag 100 from slipping on slippery surface, such as rugs or wooden floors. For example, in some implementation bag 103 can comprise a non-slip PVC (poly-vinyl chloride) and/or rubber and/or non-slip plastic material and the like. Alternatively, paint tray bag 100 can comprise non-slip material (e.g. non-slip PVC and/or rubber and/or non-slip plastic material and/or tacky material or the like) applied to any suitable number of corners, on both the front and back sides, such that at least the corners of paint tray bag 100 have improved non-slip properties. When the non-slip material is at all four corners of the front and back sides of paint tray bag 100, paint tray bag 100 is provided with eight non-slip areas in the open position. Alternatively, the non-slip material can run along the edges of paint tray bag 100. In general it is appreciated that the location of the non-stick material is generally non-limiting and the non-stick material can be located in any suitable position on the front and/or back surface to prevent paint tray bag 100 from slipping. In yet further implementations, the non-slip material can comprise Velcro™ or the like, and specifically Velcro™ hooks, such that the Velcro™ hooks can releasably attach to a carpet, rug or the like.

In some implementations, as depicted in FIG. 7, which is substantially similar to FIGS. 1 and 2, with like elements having like numbers, paint tray bag 100 comprises a clear window 701, formed for example by the material of bag 103, with the remaining portion of bag 103 covered by printed artwork, advertising, coverage or the like, for example for education and explanation of function of paint tray bag 100. Window 701 enables a user to see inside paint tray bag 100 and identify materials contained therein (such as paint tray 101) and or a color of paint or the materials. Hence, for short term or long term storage the contents of paint tray bag 100 can be identified via clear window 701. Hence, when more than one paint tray bags 100 are used, window 701 enables a user painter to determine which paint tray bag 100 is storing which paint. In some embodiments, the printed artwork can comprise a labelling system so that a user can write on bag 103 and textually identify the materials/paints contained therein. Window 701 can comprise any suitable dimensions. In non-limiting implementations, window 701 comprises dimensions of approximately 7 inches by approximately 16 inches, though the dimensions of window 701 are not to be considered particularly limiting. In some implementations, window 701 comprises approximately 30% of bag 103, with the remaining 70% covered by any suitable artwork. In some implementations, window 701 is proximal a short edge of bag 103, though a location of window 701 is not to be considered particularly limiting.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 14 which depicts bag 103 being used a drop sheet for paint try 101 and roller 105, as well as a brush 1401, with paint 1402 contained in paint tray 101 (with paint 1402 also depicted as being partially applied to door 1403). In particular, the dimensions of bag 103 enable bag 103 to be used a drop sheet with a door 1403. In other words, when painting door 1403, it is desirable to be able to slide a drop sheet under door 1403 (i.e. between door 1403 and the floor) such that paint can drop directly onto bag 103. It is appreciated that bag 103 comprises dimensions that enable bag 103 to be slid between door 1403 and the floor, and further to substantially extend along a bottom of door 1403. For example, in North America, a standard door width can comprise approximately 30 inches; as in some implementations bag 103 is approximately 30 inches wide by 40 inches long when in an open position, bag 103 can be slid under door 1403 and substantially extend the width of door 1403. Furthermore, FIG. 14 further depicts a door frame 1405, and bag 103 is appreciated to extend from one side of frame 1405, under door 1403, to an opposite side of frame 1405.

While present implementations have been described with respect to a North American 30 inch wide door, it is appreciated that width of doors can vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and even within a given jurisdiction. It is hence further appreciated that bag 103 can be adapted to any given door, such that at least one dimension of bag 103 is enabled to slide under the given door and extend along a width of the given door. Hence, the dimensions of bag 103 are not to be considered particularly limiting with regards to door widths.

In further implementations, bag 103 can also be used a drop sheet in a similar manner for a window, bag 103 extending along and/or through a window to act as drop sheet when window sills and/or areas above, below and around the window are being painted.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, which are substantially similar to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 71 with like elements having like numbers however with an “a” appended thereto. For example, paint tray bag 100 is similar to paint tray bag 100 a, however, sealing apparatus 107 a runs across a first long edge of a bag 103 a, along a first short edge of bag 103 a and then back across a second long edge of bag 103 a, such that bag 103 a folds along a second short edge 109 a in the open position. Hence, short edge 109 a acts as a hinge similar to edge 109, however, in these implementations, paint tray bag 100 a opens lengthwise (in contrast to paint tray bag 100 which opens width-wise). The resulting drop sheet hence has dimensions of approximately 60 inches by approximately 20 inches when bag 103 a has dimensions of approximately 30 inches by approximately 20 inches. It is appreciated that when bag 103 a has dimensions of approximately 30 inches by approximately 20 inches, bag 103 a can also be used as a drop sheet for a door, as in FIG. 14, and/or a window, as described above, in either the open or closed position.

While implementations described herein refer to the paint tray bag having dimensions of 20″×30″ when closed, these dimensions are not to be considered particularly limiting. For example, the dimensions of the paint tray bag can be of any suitable dimensions for storing a paint tray. As paint trays can come in various sizes, the paint tray bag can be manufactured with different dimensions to accommodate different sizes of paint trays. For example, the paint tray bag can have a width ranging from approximately 10 inches to approximately 60 inches and a length ranging from approximately 10 inches to approximately 60 inches″.

Furthermore, paint tray bag 100 and/or paint tray bag 100 a can be manufactured in different sizes to accommodate different sizes of paint trays, as well as various sizes of rollers, brushes or the like

Present implementations hence provide a resealable and reusable solution for storing paint trays, to prevent the drying of paints/materials and to protect the surrounding environment from the potential dangerous and costly spilling of paint and materials. Furthermore, it is appreciated that paint tray bags as described herein enable a painter to stop mid-job, seal up their paint tray and equipment, leaving paint/materials wet and ready to use in the paint tray, and then continue where they left off by opening the paint tray bag with the paint tray contained therein. The paint tray bag described herein, further provides protection to the surrounding environment by isolating paint and paint equipment which could potentially come into contact with unwanted surfaces as the paint tray bag opens from a closed position, where the paint tray bag is sealed therein, to an open position, wherein the paint tray bag opens flat thereby converting the bag into a painters drop sheet.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more alternative implementations and modifications possible for implementing the implementations, and that the above implementations and examples are only illustrations of one or more implementations. The scope, therefore, is only to be limited by the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A paint tray bag, comprising: a bag comprising dimensions for containing a paint tray therein; and a sealing apparatus for releasably sealing said bag, said sealing apparatus around at least portion of a perimeter of said bag such that said bag comprises a closed position for containing said paint tray therein when said sealing apparatus is closed and an open position when said sealing apparatus is open, said bag enabled to lay flat in said open position to act as a drop sheet for said paint tray.
 2. The paint tray bag of claim 1, wherein said bag is rectangular and said sealing apparatus is around at least three edges of said bag, such that said bag folds along a fourth edge to place said bag in said open position.
 3. The paint tray bag of claim 2, wherein said sealing apparatus runs across a first short edge of said bag, along a first long edge of said bag and then back across a second short edge of said bag, such that said bag folds along a second long edge in said open position.
 4. The paint tray bag of claim 2, wherein said sealing apparatus runs across a first long edge of said bag, along a first short edge of said bag and then back across a second long edge of said bag, such that said bag folds along a second short edge in said open position.
 5. The paint tray bag of claim 1, wherein said bag comprises a length between 10 and 60 inches and a width between 10 and 60 inches.
 6. The paint tray bag of claim 5, wherein said bag comprises a length of approximately 30 inches and a width of approximately 20 inches.
 7. The paint tray bag of claim 1, wherein said bag is enabled to be slid under a door to act as said drop sheet for said door in at least one of said closed position and said open position.
 8. The paint tray bag of claim 7, wherein at least one of a length and a width of said bag is enabled to extend along a width of said door in at least one of said open position and said closed position.
 9. The paint tray bag of claim 1, wherein a material of said bag is approximately 0.01 inches to 0.1 inches.
 10. The paint tray bag of claim 1, wherein said bag comprises, at least partially, a transparent material such that said paint tray can be viewed when sealed inside said bag.
 11. The paint tray bag of claim 1, wherein said bag comprises at least one window for viewing said paint tray when sealed inside said bag.
 12. The paint tray bag of claim 1, wherein said bag comprises at least one of artwork, advertising and coverage for explanation of a function of said bag, said at least one of said artwork, said advertising and said coverage comprising at least one window therein for viewing said paint tray when sealed inside said bag.
 13. The paint tray bag of claim 1, further comprising a handle for at least one of hanging said bag and carrying said bag.
 14. The paint tray bag of claim 1, wherein said bag is enabled to further contain at least one of roller and a brush therein in addition to said paint tray.
 15. The paint tray bag of claim 1, further comprising at least one non-stick area such that when said bag is in the open position, said at least one non-stick area prevents said bag from sliding on one or more of a floor and a carpet. 